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Benin is in Western Africa, bordering the Bight of Benin, between Nigeria and Togo. The climate is tropical and hot and humid in the south, but semi arid in the north.

The official language is French. A large number of people speak Fon and Yaruba. English is not widely spoken. The main religions are Indigenous beliefs, Christianity and Islam.

The economy of Benin remains underdeveloped and dependent on subsistence agriculture, cotton production, and regional trade. Cotton accounts for 40% of GDP and roughly 80% of official export receipts.

Beninois religious beliefs are a large part of society. Business clothing is usually in the form of lightweight suits. Women are prominent at all levels of business and public life. The working week is Monday to Friday, though in the north, some businesses may be closed on Friday afternoons.

The security risk for expatriates in Benin is low, but medium for the border area with Nigeria. Risks include petty and armed crime, more prevalent near the Nigerian border, as well as armed crime in Cotonou. Other risks include traffic accidents, often related to the many scooter taxis, and there have been incidents of pirates attacking ships off the country's coast.

The currency of Benin is the CFA Franc BCEAO (XOF). Benin is largely a cash based economy. Credit cards are not widely accepted and ATMs are limited.

Medical facilities are poor and emergency facilities are extremely limited. Serious or complex medical treatment may require evacuation which can be expensive. Cholera, tuberculosis, meningitis and malaria are common.

The population of Benin is 10.9 Million (2018 est.), while the inflation rate (CPI) is -0.2% for Benin as at December 2018.

Xpatulator Hypothetical Tax for Benin is based on the current personal income tax rates which are progressive up to 35%.

Cost Of Living

The cost of living for expatriates / professional migrants in Benin as at 1 January 2019 is average in comparison to other places in the world.

In Benin, the cost of each basket, based on local prices, compared to the international average, is categorized follows (Exact cost of living percentages only available in personalised reports):1) Alcohol (where available) & Tobacco: Average2) Clothing: Very Low3) Communication: Very High4) Education: Low5) Furniture & Appliances: High6) Groceries: Very High7) Healthcare: Very Low8) Household Accommodation: Low9) Miscellaneous: Low10) Personal Care: Very Low11) Recreation & Culture: Very High12) Restaurants Meals Out and Hotels: Very Low13) Transport: Very Low

Benin is for example 20.4% more expensive than USA for groceries, -24.6% cheaper for household costs than UK, and 33.4% more expensive for transport costs than India.

Benin is ranked as a extreme hardship location.

The hardship premium for Benin for an expat from Australia, is for example 30%, i.e. host location (Benin) premium of 40% minus home (Australia) location premium of 10%.

Want to know more about cost of living, hardship (quality of living) or expat salary in Benin? Register subscribe to your home location and Benin and run your personalised reports.